France says its army joins UN action in Ivory Coast

PARIS, April 4 (Reuters) - France has authorised its
military to participate in a United Nations operation in Ivory
Coast to protect civilians against escalating violence there,
the president's office said on Monday.

The Elysee Palace said the operation aimed to neutralise
heavy weapons belonging to troops loyal to Laurent Gbagbo who
are fighting forces supporting Alassane Ouattara's rival claim
to the presidency.